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Welcome To Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Here you will find the latest information, sourced from the CIA World Factbook and other public domain references around the Internet.

All this material is in the public domain, so you may freely copy, edit and quote it in homework, projects, essays and other publications.

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Introduction

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Background:

These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.

Geography

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island

no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2005 est.)

People - note:

the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem

Government

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Legal system:

the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

Transnational Issues

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Disputes - international:

Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

Sources: The CIA World Fact Book and other public domain Internet sites